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Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process early in order to have enough time to pass the required screening and lifeguard training course. PPR staff is also able to provide beginner-level swimmers that apply early with assistance in preparing for the screening. The lifeguard position pays a competitive wage of $12.33 to $14.60 an hour.

“By starting now, folks have plenty of time to go through the process so that they’ll have a summer job secured,” says Lisa Whittle, Aquatics Program Coordinator. “During winter and early spring our Water Safety Instructors have time to coach people on proper techniques.”

PPR hires 400 lifeguards annually to patrol its 70 outdoor pools and 4 indoor pools. A detailed list of requirements can be found at www.phila.gov/lifeguards. The first step for interested candidates is to attend a screening at one of PPR’s three indoor training facilities during the following screening days and times beginning now through June:

The screening is free of charge and no appointment is necessary. Please note: the mandatory lifeguard training course is $110 for candidates that commit to working for PPR, and $175 if the candidate chooses to work somewhere other than for PPR.

“Our aquatics program provides an amazing opportunity for Philadelphia’s young people to secure a good-paying summer job and gain valuable work experience,” said Commissioner Ott Lovell. “We have 74 pools that need to be staffed, and we encourage applicants to start preparing now so they have a better chance of being able to work in their neighborhood.”

For the initial screening, candidates must be at least 15 years of age. Lifeguards must be 16 to begin working for PPR, but can work as lifeguards at a private pool at 15.